A person who possesses the Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree, or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree, and who is concerned with the prevention of dental disorders and the diagnosis and treatment of dental and oral diseases and restoration of dental defects.
A professional person qualified by education and authorized by law (usually by having obtained a license) to practice dentistry; the promotion, maintenance and restoration of individual dental health, and treatment of diseases of the teeth and oral cavity.
A person who is qualified to look after teeth and gums.
The dental equivalent of the family physician, the health professional who has primary care of the teeth and gums. Modern dentists focus on prevention, not just treatment, and are oriented toward early detection and handling of dental problems before much damage has been done. Among the dental specialists to whom a patient might be referred are an orthodontist, endodontist, periodontist and oral surgeon.
A person who has received specialized training in dentistry and has met the necessary legal qualifications to practice in the field. Dentists are educated at university-affiliated dental colleges and graduate with a DDS degree (doctor of dental surgery) or a DMD degree (doctor of dental medicine). After passing an examination, they are licensed by the state where they practice dentistry.
A person whose profession is the care of the teeth and surrounding tissues. A dentist requires a state license. The degree held by the practitioner is usually Doctor of Dental Surgery (or Science) (DDS).
One who has been professionally trained and licensed to practice dentistry.